When a beloved pet passes away, one of the first things many families do is pick up their phone and search “pet cremation near me.”
It may be one of the most difficult searches you ever make.
But before choosing the first pet crematory, veterinary clinic, or pet aftercare provider that appears in the results, there are some important things you should know.
Not all pet cremation is the same. Not all providers use the same process. And you have the right to choose who cares for your pet after they pass away.
For families in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, and throughout Metro Atlanta, there is also an alternative to traditional flame cremation that many pet owners still don't know exists: Cremation by Water, also known as Aquamation.
What Should I Look for When Searching for Pet Cremation Near Me?
Location matters, but it shouldn't be the only consideration.
When choosing a pet crematory, you should understand exactly what will happen to your pet after they enter the provider's care.
Before making a decision, consider asking:
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Do you offer private pet cremation?
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Will my pet's remains be returned specifically to me?
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How is my pet identified throughout the process?
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Do you use traditional flame cremation or Cremation by Water?
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How long does the process take?
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What will my pet's remains look like?
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How will my pet's remains be returned?
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Are memorial keepsakes available?
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Is transportation available?
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Can I speak directly with the people who will care for my pet?
A reputable pet aftercare provider should be comfortable answering these questions.
Do I Have to Use the Pet Crematory My Veterinarian Recommends?
No.
Many pet owners don't realize they can choose their own pet crematory.
Veterinary hospitals frequently have relationships with pet cremation providers and can make arrangements on your behalf. That can certainly be convenient, but it does not mean you are required to use that provider.
You can contact a pet crematory directly.
Choosing your own provider allows you to learn about the process beforehand, ask questions, compare your options, and decide how you want your companion cared for.
Are All Pet Crematories the Same?
No.
One of the biggest differences is how the cremation itself is performed.
Traditional pet cremation uses fire and extremely high temperatures.
Cremation by Water uses water, gentle heat, circulation, and alkalinity to accelerate the natural process that occurs after burial.
The scientific name for the process is alkaline hydrolysis, although many families know it simply as Aquamation or Cremation by Water.
At Soothing Streams Pet Services, Cremation by Water is our specialty.
What Is Cremation by Water for Pets?
Cremation by Water provides pet owners with an alternative to flame cremation.
Rather than using combustion, Aquamation relies primarily on water to gently accelerate the body's natural decomposition process.
At the completion of the process, the remaining mineral bone is carefully dried and processed before being returned to the family in a private Aquamation.
For families who are uncomfortable with the idea of their dog, cat, or other companion being subjected to fire, knowing another option exists can make an enormous difference.
Flame cremation is not the only option.
What Is the Difference Between Aquamation Ashes and Flame Cremation Ashes?
One difference many families immediately notice is the appearance of the remains.
Although commonly called "ashes," the remains returned to families are primarily processed mineral bone.
With Cremation by Water, the mineral remains generally have a lighter, more natural bone color.
Traditional flame cremation may result in remains that appear darker or more gray because of the combustion process.
Cremation by Water can also allow families to receive up to approximately 20% more of their pet's mineral remains back compared with traditional flame cremation.
For pet owners who plan to preserve the remains in an urn, scatter them in a meaningful location, or use them in memorial keepsakes, this difference may be important.
Is Aquamation More Environmentally Friendly Than Flame Cremation?
For many families, environmental impact is another consideration.
Cremation by Water uses significantly less energy than traditional flame cremation and avoids the direct combustion associated with burning.
This is one reason Aquamation has increasingly become an option for both human and pet aftercare.
It gives families another choice when they want their final decision for their companion to reflect their environmental values.
What Is Private Pet Cremation?
If you want your pet's remains returned to you, ask the provider specifically about private pet cremation or private Aquamation.
Do not hesitate to ask exactly how the provider defines "private."
You should understand how your pet will be identified, how the process works, and how the remains returned to you are handled.
When you're searching for private pet cremation near me, transparency should be an important part of choosing your provider.
Can I Arrange Pet Cremation Directly?
Yes.
You don't necessarily need a veterinarian to arrange your pet's cremation.
Pet owners can contact Soothing Streams Pet Services directly to discuss arrangements, transportation options, Cremation by Water, private aftercare, and available memorial keepsakes.
For many families, speaking directly with the people who will actually care for their pet provides additional comfort and allows them to make a more informed decision.
Where Can I Find Pet Cremation Near Atlanta?
Soothing Streams Pet Services is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia and serves pet owners throughout Metro Atlanta and surrounding communities.
Families searching for pet cremation near me, dog cremation near me, cat cremation near me, pet cremation Atlanta, or pet Aquamation near me can contact Soothing Streams directly.
We serve families throughout communities including Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Duluth, Buford, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Atlanta, and surrounding areas.
Can Dogs and Cats Both Be Aquamated?
Yes, and Cremation by Water isn't limited to dogs and cats.
Aquamation can be an aftercare option for many beloved companion animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, bearded dragons, snakes, geckos, ferrets, rats, and other pets.
This can be particularly important for owners of exotic and smaller companion animals who may have difficulty finding an aftercare provider familiar with their type of pet.
What Questions Should I Ask Before Choosing a Pet Crematory?
Before entrusting your companion to anyone, make sure you understand:
Who will actually care for my pet?
Where will the cremation or Aquamation take place?
Is my pet being transported somewhere else?
How will my pet be identified?
Will I receive my pet's individual remains back?
What process will be used?
How long before my pet comes home?
What memorial options are available?
And perhaps most importantly:
Do I feel comfortable entrusting my pet to these people?
Price and location matter, but they shouldn't be the only considerations.
You Have a Choice
Until someone tells you otherwise, it is easy to assume that traditional flame cremation arranged through a veterinary clinic is simply what happens when a pet passes away.
It doesn't have to be.
You can choose your pet's aftercare provider.
You can ask questions.
You can choose private aftercare.
And you can choose Cremation by Water instead of flame cremation.
At Soothing Streams Pet Services, our goal is to make sure families know that choice exists.
Gentle Cremation by Water
If you're currently searching for pet cremation near me, we encourage you to learn about your options before making your decision.
Soothing Streams Pet Services provides Cremation by Water, also known as Aquamation, from our Lawrenceville, Georgia location for families throughout Metro Atlanta.
Whether you've lost a dog, cat, reptile, bird, rabbit, or another beloved companion, you can contact us directly to discuss what happens next.
Flame cremation is not the only option. Unless someone tells you, you may never know there is another choice.